The numbers line up with Holland's theory. In a 2007 CNN poll,
only 40 percent of respondents said they supported gay marriage.
That number has jumped 12 points in the last six years — 53
percent now say they support same-sex marriage.

Similarly, there has been a 12-point uptick in the amount of
respondents who say they have a family member or close friend who
is gay or lesbian. In 2007, only 45 percent said they did. Now,
57 percent say they do.

"The rise in support for gay marriage is due in part to the
rising number of Americans who have become aware that someone
close to them is gay," Holland told CNN.

The poll comes a day before the Supreme Court is set to
hear a challenge to California's Proposition 8, which bans gay
marriage in the state. On Wednesday, the court will hear a
challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act.